A border worker at Auckland Airport has tested positive to COVID-19 just a day after Australia and New Zealand opened a trans-Tasman travel bubble.
Prime Minister Jacinta Ardern said the worker tested positive after cleaning a plane that had arrived from a high-risk country.
“This person did work in an environment where they came into contact with the planes that came from red-zones, high-risk countries,” she said.
Prime Minister Ardern said the worker was fully vaccinated and was participating in routine COVID-19 testing when the case was picked up.
The worker has since been isolated and contact tracing is now underway.
Ms Ardern said the trans-Tasman travel bubble will remain open with Australia.
“When we opened, on both sides, we knew there would be cases on both sides of our borders,” she said.
"We accept that's going to be part of our journey together, I think Australia accepts that."
Day one of the trans-Tasman travel bubble saw about 1800 Australians fly to New Zealand without having to quarantine.
Female passenger dies after horror Kwinana Freeway crash
Havana Brown and Thelma Plum to headline 2026 Crab Fest
Hazmat warning issued after rubbish truck catches fire in Kwinana Beach
WA Police ramp up patrols near schools as students return for Term 1
Fire engulfs car then spreads to bushland in Oakford
Community bands together to provide essential school supplies to local children
Detectives continue to hunt man who dragged woman by hair into bushes in Halls Head
Woman airlifted to hospital following South Yunderup crash
Shire of Murray celebrates outstanding citizens